Learn more about Arab American Heritage Month in the US and explore the different ways you can celebrate it.
April celebrates the diverse cultures and contributions of Arab Americans to society. About 3.7 million Americans of Arab descent originate from 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Arab Americans live in every states, with two-thirds concentrated in 10 states: Michigan, California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Nearly a third live in greater Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles, with Lebanese Americans representing the largest subgroup. Dearborn, Michigan has the country’s highest percentage of Arab Americans in any US city, with 42% of its population identifying as Arab American. It is also home to the Arab American National Museum.
In April, take some time to learn about the unique cultures of the Arab community.
History of the Month
The history of Arab Americans and Americans of Middle Eastern descent dates back to the first wave of immigration in 1875. The second wave of immigrants arrived in the 1940s and later in the 1960s during the Lebanese civil war.
Thanks to the advocacy of Arab American organizations, Arab American Heritage Day was first nationally recognized in 1992.Although an initiative for its first national designation was launched in 2017, it didn’t pass. In 2019, House Representatives Debbie Dingell and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan introduced a resolution to Congress to proclaim April as National Arab American Heritage Month. It was first recognized in 2021 by President Joe Biden as a National month. Since then, many states have passed resolutions to celebrate it annually in April.
Ways to Celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month
There are many impactful ways to celebrate this important heritage month.
Read a book from an Arab American National Museum Book Award Winner
Some recommendations include Bride of the Sea by Eman Quotah or Don’t Forget Us Here by Mansoor Adayfe.
Explore the Smithsonian Institution’s Online Artifacts
Learn more about Arab American history by exploring unique exhibits that highlight Arab Americans.
Promote Diversity and Inclusion in Your Community
By acting as an ally against stereotyping and discrimination, you help create a more positive world. Empower your community to promote inclusion and equity by speaking up against microaggressions in the workplace or public.
Embracing Diversity
The Arab American community is a vital component of American society, contributing significantly across all sectors. While April is a great time to learn about cultures different from your own, it also offers Arab Americans a moment to connect with their roots through cultural events.
By engaging with and learning from diverse cultures, you contribute to a more accepting world and create a sense of belonging, respect, and value for all. In addition to Arab American Heritage Months, take the opportunity to learn about other April Awareness and Heritage Months.
Discover More with Our Diversity Calendar
Interested in learning more about Arab American heritage and other vibrant cultures? Dive deeper into global traditions and celebrations with our Diversity Calendar. It’s an essential resource for fostering understanding and appreciation across cultures, all year round.